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[Page 58]
rejoined the Battalion, we were told that the rumours of the Australians going to France were true. Naturally we were very excited & pleased at the news – although it seemed doubly strange to me that I should return so close to where I had started from only a few weeks before. By the time we reached France I had been absent from Australia about 9 months and during that time I have spent 2½ months on the sea so I am almost as much sailor as soldier.
The censor allows one to mention very little of what we have seen here. It is certainly a much more desirable place to be in than Egypt or Gallipoli. The censor will not mind my telling you I had one turn in the trenches here. They were very cold & muddy although in Spring-time, it makes one realise what a trying time the British, French & other troops had during the Winter. When we were relieved, I was sent to my present address, Anzac Headquarters. My work here is simple & interesting, but I would prefer to be with the 18th especially now that the weather is better. My old wound never gives any trouble and I hope next time to last longer than the first round next time I go into action. I must close now – it is good of you to be interested in Tom & myself so I must thank you for that & your kind letter.
Yours sincerely
Myles O'Reilly